Legal Status of THCA Flower in Colorado

Curious about THCA flower and whether you can legally buy or use it in Colorado? You’re not alone. As more people explore hemp-derived products, questions around THCA legality are becoming more common especially in states with strict cannabis laws like Colorado. Let’s break it down.

What Is THCA Flower?

THCA flower is raw, unheated cannabis that contains high levels of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), a non-psychoactive compound. When heated (like by smoking or vaping), THCA turns into THC, the compound that causes a high.

Because THCA isn’t intoxicating on its own, many assume it’s legal under hemp laws. But the law doesn’t always see it that way.

Is THCA Flower Legal in Colorado?

No, THCA flower is not legal in Colorado under current hemp laws.

While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp products with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, Colorado has its own stricter rules. In 2023, the state updated its hemp regulations to include total THC, which means they calculate the potential THC a product could contain after heating.

THCA counts toward that total, so most THCA flower exceeds the limit, even if it has almost no Delta-9 THC. As a result, THCA flower does not meet Colorado’s legal definition of hemp and is considered illegal unless sold through licensed cannabis dispensaries.

Is THCA Legal in Other States?

Yes, THCA flower is legal in some states, especially those that follow only federal hemp guidelines.

These states focus only on Delta-9 THC content and do not include THCA in their THC calculations. However, laws vary widely by state. States like Florida, Texas, and North Carolina have more lenient rules, while others like Oregon, California, and Colorado have adopted stricter total THC formulas.

Always check local laws before buying or shipping THCA products across state lines.

Is THCA a Controlled Substance in Colorado?

Yes, in most cases.

When THCA flower exceeds Colorado’s total THC threshold (1.75 mg per serving and a 15:1 CBD-to-THC ratio), it’s treated like a cannabis product, not a hemp product.

That means it falls under controlled substance regulations unless purchased from a licensed dispensary. Selling or possessing non-compliant THCA flower outside the state’s marijuana program may result in legal penalties.

Are There Any THCA Possession Limits in Colorado?

Yes, but only for regulated cannabis.

If you’re 21 or older, you can legally possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower in Colorado, including THCA flower bought at a licensed dispensary.

However, possessing THCA flower labeled as “hemp” outside the licensed system is illegal, regardless of quantity. Even if you buy online from another state, bringing it into Colorado may put you at risk.

Final Thoughts on the Legality of THCA Flower in Colorado

THCA flower is not legal in Colorado unless purchased through a licensed cannabis retailer. Despite being federally compliant in some forms, Colorado uses a total THC formula that makes most THCA flower non-compliant with state hemp laws.

If you're interested in using THCA flower legally in Colorado, your best option is to visit a state-licensed dispensary. Avoid ordering it online or transporting it across state lines to stay on the right side of the law.